Cosy crime fans and Beyond Paradise lovers are being urged to watch a murder mystery drama following a big-city cop who relocates to a small coastal town. The cosy crime series is based on The Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries novels by LR Wright and it follows cop Karl Alberg (played by Rossif Sutherland), who moves to the seaside town of Gibsons.

After getting caught up in solving murders there, he gets closer to librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk) and a separate romance storyline ensues. The Canadian series, Murder in a Small Town, is coming to Netflix in a matter of days, making its debut on August 1. Fans took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts, with one saying “it leaves you with a warm feeling”.A

They added: “I agree that Murder in a Small Town has all the Hallmark Mystery vibes, but it’s actually less stupid, less cheesy, more believable.

“It’s a good old murder mystery in a nice cosy setting. But the writers are not lazy (probably because it’s based on books), they don’t think the viewers have one brain cell left.

“The writing is strong, the setting is brilliant, very strong leads, so this show is just great if you take it for what it is: good old murder mystery with no gory details or too much drama.”

Another fan called it “charming”, adding: “If you’re looking for a fast-paced, slick, hyper-modern drama packed with endless twists and a heavy dose of ‘woke’, Murder in a Small Town probably isn’t for you. And that’s exactly why I love it.

“This show is refreshingly old-school-simple, straightforward storytelling with heart, atmosphere, and just the right amount of mystery.

“It’s the kind of show that doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks but instead leans into the comfort of a classic whodunit.

“My family and I have really enjoyed having something calm, grounded, and entertaining to watch together.”

In May 2026, the series, which was called “Broadchurch meets Midsomer Murders” by Good Housekeeping, was renewed for a third season.

Rotten Tomatoes offered the synopsis: “Karl Alberg moves to the idyllic coastal town of Gibsons to become the new police chief and soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work.

“Unfortunately, the gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets, and Karl needs to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore.

“Cassandra, a local librarian, becomes Alberg’s muse, foil and romantic interest.”

Murder in a Small Town comes to Netflix on August 1